Technical Manager Recruitment Pack

The Cheltenham Trust

Recruitment Pack Technical Manager

Shape the Future of Technical Excellence Across Cheltenham’s Landmark Venues The Cheltenham Trust is entering an exciting new phase of transformation, reimagining how its venues, events, and experiences connect with audiences, communities, and visitors across the town. With five exceptional sites: Cheltenham Town Hall, Pittville Pump Room, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Leisure at Cheltenham, and the Imperial Garden Bar, the Trust delivers an extraordinary breadth of cultural, heritage, and leisure programming. From major concerts and community celebrations to heritage festivals and contemporary exhibitions, we are proud to be at the heart of Cheltenham’s creative life.

We are now seeking a Technical Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping the next stage of our development. This is a hands-on leadership role with scope to influence real change, developing new systems and standards that drive consistency, quality, and innovation across all our venues and events. The successful candidate will bring both technical expertise and creative problem-solving, leading the delivery of exceptional productions while helping to modernise how we plan, resource, and deliver our programme. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-looking organisation that values collaboration, creativity, and excellence, and is committed to realising the full potential of Cheltenham’s cultural and leisure assets.

Vision

Mission

To be a catalyst for a thriving and inclusive Cheltenham, where culture, heritage, sport, and leisure create meaningful social value, improve wellbeing, and bring people together through strong community partnerships.

To engage, inspire and support Cheltenham’s residents and visitors through accessible cultural, heritage, sport, and leisure opportunities. Our work contributes to enriching people’s lives, wellbeing, learning and creativity while supporting local economic growth and working in partnership with Cheltenham’s communities.

Values and Behaviours Values

Behaviours

Community Voice We work with communities, not just for them.

Co- creating and closing the loop

Inclusivity Differences are our strengths

Making belonging a daily habit

Collaboration and Partnerships We achieve more together

Working as one Trust with our partners

Continuous Learning We grow and improve together

Learning, experimenting and improving

Protecting our Environment We act for the planet in every choice

Including the environment in every decision

The Role Job title: Technical Manager Location: Cheltenham Town Hall and Piittville Pump Room Reports to: CEO Working Hours: 40 hours working 5 out of 7 days per week, annualised hours Salary guide: £38,000-41,000 Supervisors: Technicians, Casual Technicians, Freelance Crew Job number: TM/725

Purpose The Technical Manager plays a critical leadership role within the Cheltenham Trust’s Events team. They are responsible for managing and delivering all technical aspects of live events, performances, and private hires across the Trust’s venues, primarily Cheltenham Town Hall and Pittville Pump Room.

They will ensure exceptional production values, maintain technical facilities and equipment, and lead the technical team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality technical support for a wide variety of activities.

The Technical Manager works collaboratively within the Events Management Team and alongside the Operations, Facilities, and Front of House teams, as well as visiting companies, artists, and promoters.

Key duties and responsibilities This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail all the activities required to achieve these outcomes.

Technical Management Lead all technical aspects of productions, live performances, corporate hires, and events across the Trust’s venues.

Manage the effective delivery of lighting, sound, staging, AV, and rigging, ensuring all technical elements meet industry standards and client expectations.

Produce and manage production schedules, technical riders, and event documentation.

Work closely with visiting companies, promoters, artists, and internal Event Managers to assess and meet technical requirements.

Provide hands-on technical support where required, including operating lighting, sound, and AV equipment as well as assisting with load-ins, fit-up and load-outs.

Team Leadership & Staff Management Line manage and coordinate the Technical Team, ensuring effective rota planning and workload management.

Recruit, supervise, and develop a pool of casual and freelance technical staff and contractors.

Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team culture.

Management of and reporting on the technical department budget, including equipment maintenance costs, and stock control of consumables.

Health & Safety Compliance Take the lead on technical health and safety across venues, ensuring compliance with legislation, risk assessments, and safe systems of work.

Maintain a clean, orderly and organised backstage area including technical workshop.

Ensure compliance with venue licenses, statutory obligations, and industry best practice.

Act as a Duty Manager and keyholder for venues as required.

Key duties and responsibilities This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail all the activities required to achieve these outcomes.

Equipment & Facilities Management Maintain and develop technical infrastructure, ensuring all equipment is serviced, safe, and fit for purpose.

Inform all incoming companies and events of the Health and Safety and fire evacuation procedures and provide relevant information regarding company rules and information.

Compile and maintain Technical Information Packs for the website, ensuring upto-date guidance is available to incoming touring productions.

Cross-Team Collaboration Work closely with programming, operations, events, and commercial teams to support a seamless visitor and client experience.

Support the Trust’s strategic objectives by contributing to new initiatives, capital projects, and service improvements.

General Accountabilities Work to add value to the organisation and contribute positively to the customer experience.

Ensure a safe working environment and adopt safe working practices across all areas of responsibility.

Maintain compliance with the organisation’s codes of conduct, financial regulations, and policies.

Demonstrate integrity and respect for confidentiality in all matters.

Uphold the Trust’s safeguarding responsibilities for vulnerable adults, young people, and children, in line with policy.

Employees are expected to support the Trust's objectives, carrying out additional duties as required. A flexible, customer-focused, and team-orientated approach is essential, prioritising income generation, commercialism, and the Trust's overall mission and vision.

Essential requirements - qualifications, skills, abilities and experience Essential Skills & Experience Proven experience managing technical production in live events, performing arts, or entertainment sectors.

Strong practical knowledge of lighting, sound, AV, stage management, and rigging.

Demonstrated leadership experience in managing technical teams or crews.

Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Clear and confident communicator, able to collaborate effectively at all levels.

Up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation and industry best practice in technical operations.

A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to problem-solve under pressure.

A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and stakeholder engagement.

Computer literate and confident in using Microsoft Office and event management systems.

Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Committed to maintaining discretion and confidentiality in accordance with GDPR and organisational policies.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience Relevant technical qualifications or certifications (e.g., IPAF, PASMA, First Aid, Fire Safety, Working at Height), or willingness to undergo relevant training and development.

Genie/Cherry Picker licence holder.

Experience working in heritage or multipurpose venues.

Sound knowledge of budget control and management of income streams.

Special conditions This role may require occasional work at other Cheltenham Trust locations in line with business needs.

A flexible approach to hours, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, is essential.

The role involves periods of standing and manual handling, as well as working at height and using ladders.

Smart appearance and adherence to the Cheltenham Trust dress code are expected.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable for occasional work travel.

How to apply If you are interested in applying for the Technical Manager role, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk by Friday 28 November 2025.

Application deadline: Friday 28 November 2025